Bryant claims arguments display his 'positive passion'

By Tom Orsborn :
October 27, 2013
: Updated: October 27, 2013 9:44pm

Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (left) and quarterback Tony Romo talk on the sideline during the second half of the Lions' 31-30 comeback victory. Bryant caught two touchdown passes.

Photo By McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday, October 27, 2013. (Kirthmon F. Dozier/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

Photo By McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday, October 27, 2013, (Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

DETROIT — Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant made no apologies for a series of sideline tirades directed at teammates Tony Romo and Jason Witten, saying his rants are “positive” and reflect his “passionate” approach.

“My passion is always positive,” he said after Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Lions. “It's going to remain the same way. I'm not saying anything wrong. I'm not saying anything bad. It's all positive. That's just the way it is.

“I'm the nicest person off the field. When I'm on the field, even when I look angry, it's still all good passion. I feel like that's what we need. I'm going to remain the same way. I love this game. In order to win, you've got to be passionate. You've got to let that dog come out and just put it all out there on the line.”

Bryant shouted at Romo after he failed to complete a pass to Dwayne Harris late in the third quarter, a misfire that forced the Cowboys to settle for a field goal that gave them a 13-7 advantage.

Bryant also got into a heated exchange with Witten after the Lions scored the winning touchdown with 12 seconds left, capping a rally from 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit.

Defensive end DeMarcus Ware, who was inactive with a thigh injury, stepped between the two.

Bryant said his exchange with Romo stemmed from his belief that the offense was letting down the defense, which forced four turnovers.

Regarding his altercation with Witten, Bryant said, “He just wanted to calm me down a little bit. You all saw what happened. They scored at the end of the game. I'm like, 'Who wouldn't be pissed?' That's all that was.”

Romo and Witten said they have no hard feelings toward Bryant, who caught three passes for 72 yards, including scoring grabs of 5 and 50 yards.

“He has more passion than anyone I've ever played with,” Witten said. “That's a good thing to have. With 12 seconds left, we were all upset, but there was still time left. I tried to communicate that.

“I love that kid like a brother.”

Said Romo: “He's a competitive guy. He's never complained to me about getting the ball. With Dez, it's more 'rah, rah, rah' than it is about being a 'me' guy.”